Network Rail has awarded Siemens Rail Automation a multi-million pound contract to supply, install and support its ETCS (European Train Control System) in-cab signalling equipment on the 745-strong fleet of freight locomotives which operates across Great Britain. ETCS will make Britain’s freight locomotives safer, greener and will unlock capacity.

The scope of the 10-year contract covers the initial addition of Siemens’ Trainguard ETCS 200 on-board system and the upgrade of the locomotive’s Train Protection Warning System, as well as a further 10-year support period, which will see Siemens working with Network Rail and six freight operating companies (FOCs).

This is the first of a series of contracts which will ultimately see the installation of ETCS equipment on the entire fleet of passenger and freight locomotives that operate across the network. One of the core components of Network Rail’s Digital Railway Programme, ETCS will help unlock much-needed additional capacity from the existing rail network, delivering significant reliability and efficiency improvements, as well as generating new jobs across the UK.

Trainguard 200 is a Level 2, Baseline 3 solution which delivers the functionality and benefits outlined in the Digital Railway roadmap. The installation work will be undertaken by multiple stakeholders, including Network Rail, Siemens and the FOCs, as well as subcontractors in the wider supply chain across the UK and Europe. Siemens’ subsequent support work for each individual FOC will begin on acceptance of the ETCS installation on their first fleet vehicle.

Rob Morris, Managing Director of Siemens Rail Automation, said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Network Rail and the freight operating companies on this landmark digital railway project, which will be one of the largest ETCS on-board retrofit programmes in the UK. This solution will allow the operating companies to continue to safely deliver a reliable service as ETCS technology continues to be rolled-out across the UK.

“Having proven our equipment and delivery capabilities in a number of similar projects in Europe, our experienced teams are now looking forward to working collaboratively with Network Rail and the freight operating companies to deliver this digital railway project. More than 150 engineers will be engaged in the work, including our sub-contractors and supply chain partners, which will be delivered from a number of locations throughout the UK.”

Siemens Rail Automation is a global leader in the design, supply, installation and commissioning of track-side and train-borne signalling and train control solutions. Its portfolio includes train control, interlocking systems, operations control systems, components, track vacancy detection, level-crossing protection, rail communications, cab radios, station systems and cargo automation for both passenger and freight rail operators.

Siemens employs over 15,000 people in the UK, with 1,650 people working in the Rail Automation division from offices in Chippenham, London, Croydon, Poole, Birmingham, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Manchester, York, Glasgow, Newport and Derby. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk/rail.